SANTANA TAKES LISTENERS ON AN UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE ON THE THRILLING NEW ALBUM, AFRICA SPEAKS, OUT TODAY

07 JUNE 2019 (TORONTO, ON) - Music legend Carlos Santana has amassed an iconic body of work by pioneering a unique fusion of rock, Latin and jazz. On his new album, Africa Speaks, released today on Concord Records/Universal Music Canada, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist goes deeper and further than ever before to create one of his most groundbreaking albums yet. Inspired by the melodies, sounds and rhythms of Africa, he enlisted legendary producer Rick Rubin, convened with his band at Rubin’s Shangri La Studios in Malibu, and recorded an astonishing number of tracks, many of them in one take. Another dramatic element in the creation of Africa Speaks came in the form of Spanish singer Buika, whose heavenly lead vocals cast a magical spell throughout the album.

“Santana’s multifaceted, proudly bilingual blues-Latin-rock-jazz-pop catalog invokes its own migrations and fusions, now linked to messages of positive thinking and global healing.” - The New York Times

“The upcoming album is called Africa Speaks and this sneak preview is promising. It features the vocalist Concha Buika, herself a product of African presence on the island of Mallorca, flexing her formidable flamenco influences over a deep Afrobeat groove punctuated by a typically impressive Santana guitar solo…It seems that after 50 years, Carlos Santana is even more inspired than ever.” - NPR (ALT Latino)

“…a strikingly impressive effort from the guitar legend…” - Relix

“Much like African music itself, the disc is often joyous and inspirational. It’s a rich and satisfying effort by one of the world’s greatest guitarists.” - The Blade